WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Kent Anderson is the new executive director of The Boys & Girls Club of the Wisconsin Rapids Area, according to a media release from Katie Tomsyck, director of development for the organization.

The organization announced its search for a new executive director in April. Rob Wefel held the position from February 2012 through April. No reasons were given for his departure.

The Board of Directors cited Anderson’s experience, knowledge and integrity in choosing him for the position, according to the release. Anderson will be responsible for the oversight of program development, implementation, community engagement, and operations, the release said.

Prior to this appointment, Anderson served the Boys & Girls Club as its operations director and held other leadership positions while coaching football at Lincoln High School the past three years. Previously, he was manager of a park district-owned golf course, restaurant and banquet facility in a suburb of Chicago.

“We are very excited to announce this appointment,” board president Jill Steckbauer said in the release. “Kent was a standout from the very beginning and was a major asset to our club during his time as operations director, as well as the transition between directors.

“We are extremely fortunate to have him as our leader,” Steckbauer said in the statement. “I have no doubt that he will succeed in his new role and positively impact the lives of children in our community, and the continued growth of our organization.”

In the release, Anderson stated he is looking forward to the new job.

“I am dedicated to taking our club to the next level so that we can be the premiere after-school program for the kids of the Wisconsin Rapids area,” he said. “We have many exciting opportunities ahead and I will work hard to ensure that we will always be here so that all kids can reach their full potential.